June is Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month. As the number of older adults continues to grow, we may see more people become vulnerable to financial abuse, physical abuse, or neglect. It's up to you, to us, to keep a watchful eye on our neighbors and community members. Please call Adult Protective Services at 600-3383 if you suspect that an older or dependent adult needs help. Call (800) 418-1426, day or night.

HOW BIG OF AN ISSUE IS ELDER ABUSE IN CALIFORNIA?

Here in California, Adult Protective Services (APS) receives as many as 10,000 reports of elder and dependent adult abuse per month, and reports are increasing.

That's an estimated 120,000 cases of reported elder and dependent adult abuse PER YEAR in California. What makes this number even more alarming it that for every case of abuse that is reported, 4 cases go unreported. That's an astounding 600,000 incidents that were never reported.

Elder adults are anyone that is age 65 or older. APS also provides services to Dependent Adults, who are persons between the age of 18 and 64, who have physical or mental limitations which restrict their ability to carry out normal daily activities or to protect his/her own rights, must relay on others for basic needs or to advocate for their safety, and the alleged abuse or neglect is related to their specific disabilities.

Abuse doesn't happen in a vacuum. Often one type of abuse leads to another. Victims often suffer from multiple forms of abuse at the hands of their abusers. For example an older adult can be neglected by his or her family, whose only interest is control over the person's financial assets. Click here for the Don't Miss the Signs flyer to keep handy.

KNOW ABUSE. REPORT ABUSE

How to report cases of abuse, whether it is on your own behalf or that of someone you know:

Adult Protective Services - Adult Protective Services (APS) responds to reports from individuals, concerned citizens, social service and health providers, and law enforcement representatives about developmental disabled adults, physically and mentally disabled adults, and the elderly who may be physically or financially abused, neglected, or exploited. Upon receipt of a referral, APS sends a social worker to make a home visit or contact the elder or dependent adult. Fresno County APS Hotline: (559) 600-3383 or (800) 418-1426.

California State Long-Term Care Ombudsman - The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) investigates elder abuse complaints in long-term care facilities and in residential care facilities for the elderly. The primary responsibility of the program is to investigate and endeavor to resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, individual residents in these facilities, including nursing homes, residential care facilities for the elderly, and assisted living facilities. The goal of the program is to advocate for the rights of all residents in long term care facilities. The State CRISISline number: 1-800-231-4024. The Fresno-Madera Ombudsman Program number: (559) 224-9177.

WHAT HAPPENS IF AN ALLEGED VICTIM DOES NOT WANT TO REPORT THE ABUSE?

Adult victims of alleged abuse and neglect, unlike in Child Protective Service, have a right to decline services even if those services may help resolve an abusive situation. As is common in domestic violence cases, clients are often reluctant to report abuse; denying allegations, recanting previous statements, and making it difficult to provide services or to prosecute crimes. There are many reasons why one might not want to confirm abuse: fear of retaliation, embarrassment/shame, unwillingness to recognize what's happening, protection of the perpetrator who is often a loved one or family member, belief abuse is deserved, not wanting the government involved in family matters, or fear of losing independence or institutionalization if abuse is discovered.

Regardless of whether or not you are a mandated reporter, it is important to report ALL suspected abuse. Even if the elder or dependent adult is reluctant or unwilling to disclose abuse, the investigating agency can provide the message that people care and help is available.